What is a good reusable bottle that isn't a mould farm?
-
Kind of a rant — I drink water and flavored-water beverages, and I don't wanna buy 24-packs of water and trust my local municipality to recycle. Maybe they do, maybe they don't. Either way, it's not recycle, it's "reduce, reuse, recycle." I'll drink a Gatorade (Zero) and reuse it a few times and then toss it.
But if I want a reusable bottle — there's one by Aladdin (Thermos) I like, and one by Zojirushi, I've bought two of each over the years. Just tossed the Zojirushi. Zojirushi is a Japanese brand, very high quality, but a bit over-engineered. It's got this rubber gasket and plug that, you can clean them daily, they get black spots. Not sure if it's mould or what, but it's kinda gross and I don't like it. The Aladdin/Thermos one is a bit better, didn't think there was any mould anywhere until I dropped it, the cap flew out, mould farm inside! Nowhere that touched the beverage so that was nice. But I'm kinda done with both of them. I would rather just waste plastic than risk drinking from a mouldy reusable cup.
Are there reusable bottles that aren't mould farms?
wrote last edited by [email protected]stainless steel or glass. Those are your options for growth-free stuff. Even then, water only, or you're only creating a science experiment. Even then, wash frequently or you're only creating a science experiment.
-
I'm a huge fan of glass bottles because of their ease of cleaning and resilience to getting funky. The lid is the only place you have to be careful of, but that's usually a lot easier to be mindful of
Same! I've been using the Lifefactory ones for the last few years and just run them through the dishwasher with everything else. No special treatment, and they've held up well.
-
Kind of a rant — I drink water and flavored-water beverages, and I don't wanna buy 24-packs of water and trust my local municipality to recycle. Maybe they do, maybe they don't. Either way, it's not recycle, it's "reduce, reuse, recycle." I'll drink a Gatorade (Zero) and reuse it a few times and then toss it.
But if I want a reusable bottle — there's one by Aladdin (Thermos) I like, and one by Zojirushi, I've bought two of each over the years. Just tossed the Zojirushi. Zojirushi is a Japanese brand, very high quality, but a bit over-engineered. It's got this rubber gasket and plug that, you can clean them daily, they get black spots. Not sure if it's mould or what, but it's kinda gross and I don't like it. The Aladdin/Thermos one is a bit better, didn't think there was any mould anywhere until I dropped it, the cap flew out, mould farm inside! Nowhere that touched the beverage so that was nice. But I'm kinda done with both of them. I would rather just waste plastic than risk drinking from a mouldy reusable cup.
Are there reusable bottles that aren't mould farms?
I use a stainless steel insulated bottle and I clean it with Polydent tablets, like for cleaning dentures. It works incredibly well.
-
Kind of a rant — I drink water and flavored-water beverages, and I don't wanna buy 24-packs of water and trust my local municipality to recycle. Maybe they do, maybe they don't. Either way, it's not recycle, it's "reduce, reuse, recycle." I'll drink a Gatorade (Zero) and reuse it a few times and then toss it.
But if I want a reusable bottle — there's one by Aladdin (Thermos) I like, and one by Zojirushi, I've bought two of each over the years. Just tossed the Zojirushi. Zojirushi is a Japanese brand, very high quality, but a bit over-engineered. It's got this rubber gasket and plug that, you can clean them daily, they get black spots. Not sure if it's mould or what, but it's kinda gross and I don't like it. The Aladdin/Thermos one is a bit better, didn't think there was any mould anywhere until I dropped it, the cap flew out, mould farm inside! Nowhere that touched the beverage so that was nice. But I'm kinda done with both of them. I would rather just waste plastic than risk drinking from a mouldy reusable cup.
Are there reusable bottles that aren't mould farms?
You're probably going to have the easiest time just cleaning them periodically.
If you want to have something that's intrinsically antifungal, instead of stainless steel, you could get a copper-alloy water bottle, like bronze or brass.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimicrobial_copper-alloy_touch_surfaces
Antimicrobial copper-alloy touch surfaces can prevent frequently touched surfaces from serving as reservoirs for the spread of pathogenic microbes. This is especially true in healthcare facilities, where harmful viruses, bacteria, and fungi colonize and persist on doorknobs, push plates, handrails, tray tables, tap (faucet) handles, IV poles, HVAC systems, and other equipment.[1] These microbes can sometimes survive on surfaces for more than 30 days.
I wouldn't bet on it stopping growth on the gasket, though.
It looks like this claims to be copper (which if correct, I would think would be really prone to denting):
https://www.amazon.com/Adonai-Hardware-Hammered-Copper-Bottle/dp/B09MZ9VYJS
This vacuum flask says that it has a copper internal lining:
https://www.amazon.com/OUTSIDER-Stainless-Vacuum-Insulated-Bottle-Thermos/dp/B0BX7C1MDK
-
I like wide mouth bottles that match the diameter of the rest of the bottle, because they are the easiest to clean. You can even just toss them in the dishwasher depending in the material.
I also try to only buy titanium bottles since they last a lot longer than stainless steel. Some brands are too expensive but ive gotten lucky in the past with no name brands.
-
Kind of a rant — I drink water and flavored-water beverages, and I don't wanna buy 24-packs of water and trust my local municipality to recycle. Maybe they do, maybe they don't. Either way, it's not recycle, it's "reduce, reuse, recycle." I'll drink a Gatorade (Zero) and reuse it a few times and then toss it.
But if I want a reusable bottle — there's one by Aladdin (Thermos) I like, and one by Zojirushi, I've bought two of each over the years. Just tossed the Zojirushi. Zojirushi is a Japanese brand, very high quality, but a bit over-engineered. It's got this rubber gasket and plug that, you can clean them daily, they get black spots. Not sure if it's mould or what, but it's kinda gross and I don't like it. The Aladdin/Thermos one is a bit better, didn't think there was any mould anywhere until I dropped it, the cap flew out, mould farm inside! Nowhere that touched the beverage so that was nice. But I'm kinda done with both of them. I would rather just waste plastic than risk drinking from a mouldy reusable cup.
Are there reusable bottles that aren't mould farms?
wrote last edited by [email protected]I would just not care about the biofilm and wash it regularly. If you fill the bottle from a clean source and it doesnt smell or taste strange, the water should be fine for consumption.
You know your fresh water pipes also have biofilms in them? If it isnt contaminated, the microorganisms there are harmless. So if you get clean water from the pipes and your mouth has a healthy microbiome, where should potentially harmful microorganisms come from?
Only in rare amounts from the environment when you open the bottle. For that to create a buildup will take time. If you properly wash your bottle like once a week you should be fine.
No bottle will stay clean if you dont wash it from time to time.
-
32oz wide mouth Nalgene for me. I have 3 and cycle them every 2 days. Dishwasher when I run it and bottle brush once a week. Never a hint of anything.
Exactly what I have. I just fill it up with water and just dump it out. I hardly ever scrub it completely; just a soap + water + shake twice a month.
-
You're probably going to have the easiest time just cleaning them periodically.
If you want to have something that's intrinsically antifungal, instead of stainless steel, you could get a copper-alloy water bottle, like bronze or brass.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimicrobial_copper-alloy_touch_surfaces
Antimicrobial copper-alloy touch surfaces can prevent frequently touched surfaces from serving as reservoirs for the spread of pathogenic microbes. This is especially true in healthcare facilities, where harmful viruses, bacteria, and fungi colonize and persist on doorknobs, push plates, handrails, tray tables, tap (faucet) handles, IV poles, HVAC systems, and other equipment.[1] These microbes can sometimes survive on surfaces for more than 30 days.
I wouldn't bet on it stopping growth on the gasket, though.
It looks like this claims to be copper (which if correct, I would think would be really prone to denting):
https://www.amazon.com/Adonai-Hardware-Hammered-Copper-Bottle/dp/B09MZ9VYJS
This vacuum flask says that it has a copper internal lining:
https://www.amazon.com/OUTSIDER-Stainless-Vacuum-Insulated-Bottle-Thermos/dp/B0BX7C1MDK
I suddenly understand why every handle, kick plate, knob and hinge were made of brass on the infantry bases I saw it was at.
-
Kind of a rant — I drink water and flavored-water beverages, and I don't wanna buy 24-packs of water and trust my local municipality to recycle. Maybe they do, maybe they don't. Either way, it's not recycle, it's "reduce, reuse, recycle." I'll drink a Gatorade (Zero) and reuse it a few times and then toss it.
But if I want a reusable bottle — there's one by Aladdin (Thermos) I like, and one by Zojirushi, I've bought two of each over the years. Just tossed the Zojirushi. Zojirushi is a Japanese brand, very high quality, but a bit over-engineered. It's got this rubber gasket and plug that, you can clean them daily, they get black spots. Not sure if it's mould or what, but it's kinda gross and I don't like it. The Aladdin/Thermos one is a bit better, didn't think there was any mould anywhere until I dropped it, the cap flew out, mould farm inside! Nowhere that touched the beverage so that was nice. But I'm kinda done with both of them. I would rather just waste plastic than risk drinking from a mouldy reusable cup.
Are there reusable bottles that aren't mould farms?
wrote last edited by [email protected]I’ve used a single Sigg traveler bottle for ages, but I’ve had mold buildup on the cap seal. Luckily Sigg has the caps sold as spare parts, so I’ve only had to replace the cap a couple of times during all this time. But it’s been near 15 years I think now, lining intact and all. It’s got a bunch of dents from falling on hikes, sometimes down from pretty high cliffs, but I feel it only adds to its attitude sort of.
Not sure if I’d go for a Sigg today, I have stainless steel in my sights if this one ever proves ready for retirement, but Id definitely choose one that has either replaceable seals and seals sold as spare parts, or at least sells new caps as spare parts. And I’d for sure go with something similarly robust that can handle drops and getting banged around.
The cap design on the Sigg is pretty unbeatable though. It’s so natural for a finger when opening or closing and keeping the cap while drinking, but it also fits all sizes of carabiners or similar, so it’s just so handy to keep around on house but especially on hikes. I’m spoiled thanks to that, so I think there’s a high standard for whatever I’d choose next.
But I can really recommend the aluminum Sigg traveler. Today it has a lot more actually enticing competition, but it’s a classic choice at least around here in Northern Europe.
Edit: Worth noting; Siggs prior to 2008 had BPA in the lining. Mine has a yellow tint in the lining, which is the telltale sign of the BPA-free, safe one. Today, only the aluminium bottles are manufactured in Switzerland, the others are in China (which I think has been thanks to some brand-leeching Chinese acquisition at some point)
Edit2: I also have a lot of old military surplus water bottles from around Europe (similar form factor) simply because both my few-days-bag and longer hiking rig have MOLLE all over the surface, and the old ALICE (us standard from I think around 1970) and MOLLE (or similar, today almost everything in terms of military surplus has something that fits into it) pouches for the water bottles of that certain shape can be had for extremely cheap, and they are so robust in keeping them in place thanks both to the bottle shape and the MOLLE in general, and it’s so flexible.
I mostly use these to carry extra water as plan B but especially for boiling for food or coffee etc. all of them have a certain funky smell that never disappears, but I’ve tested them all by keeping plain water in them for a week or more, then pouring out and seeing how it looks to naked eye, and how it tastes. The smell on some of them can get into the water a little bit, but all taste normal and so far I’ve not got any problems from using them. I would assume the military of all institutions would take care to make these things valid for long term and active use, since, you know, water is pretty much the main driving force in ensuring troops can keep going. But because of the smell I tend not to go for them as the main bottle, ever.
-
Kind of a rant — I drink water and flavored-water beverages, and I don't wanna buy 24-packs of water and trust my local municipality to recycle. Maybe they do, maybe they don't. Either way, it's not recycle, it's "reduce, reuse, recycle." I'll drink a Gatorade (Zero) and reuse it a few times and then toss it.
But if I want a reusable bottle — there's one by Aladdin (Thermos) I like, and one by Zojirushi, I've bought two of each over the years. Just tossed the Zojirushi. Zojirushi is a Japanese brand, very high quality, but a bit over-engineered. It's got this rubber gasket and plug that, you can clean them daily, they get black spots. Not sure if it's mould or what, but it's kinda gross and I don't like it. The Aladdin/Thermos one is a bit better, didn't think there was any mould anywhere until I dropped it, the cap flew out, mould farm inside! Nowhere that touched the beverage so that was nice. But I'm kinda done with both of them. I would rather just waste plastic than risk drinking from a mouldy reusable cup.
Are there reusable bottles that aren't mould farms?
I've had good luck with kleen kanteen. Stainless steel with a steel screw in top. No gaskets.
I know what you mean about the moldy gaskets, I've had that problem with insulated coffee mugs.
-
Kind of a rant — I drink water and flavored-water beverages, and I don't wanna buy 24-packs of water and trust my local municipality to recycle. Maybe they do, maybe they don't. Either way, it's not recycle, it's "reduce, reuse, recycle." I'll drink a Gatorade (Zero) and reuse it a few times and then toss it.
But if I want a reusable bottle — there's one by Aladdin (Thermos) I like, and one by Zojirushi, I've bought two of each over the years. Just tossed the Zojirushi. Zojirushi is a Japanese brand, very high quality, but a bit over-engineered. It's got this rubber gasket and plug that, you can clean them daily, they get black spots. Not sure if it's mould or what, but it's kinda gross and I don't like it. The Aladdin/Thermos one is a bit better, didn't think there was any mould anywhere until I dropped it, the cap flew out, mould farm inside! Nowhere that touched the beverage so that was nice. But I'm kinda done with both of them. I would rather just waste plastic than risk drinking from a mouldy reusable cup.
Are there reusable bottles that aren't mould farms?
Anything that's wet all the time is going to grow mold or algae or whatever.
Whether you rinse or scrub, if you just shake off the drips or even towel it off before you fill it up again it's going to get gross.
It needs to spend a significant amount of time completely dry.
The solution is to have 2 bottles and switch them every few days.
-
I've had good luck with kleen kanteen. Stainless steel with a steel screw in top. No gaskets.
I know what you mean about the moldy gaskets, I've had that problem with insulated coffee mugs.
wrote last edited by [email protected]Use(d) their thermos for tea.
My smaller bottle had a big opening and easy to clean.
Sadly it went KIA during my commute and jumped out of my biking bag and onto the road.
On which it was later crushed by a car. It was a present
-
Kind of a rant — I drink water and flavored-water beverages, and I don't wanna buy 24-packs of water and trust my local municipality to recycle. Maybe they do, maybe they don't. Either way, it's not recycle, it's "reduce, reuse, recycle." I'll drink a Gatorade (Zero) and reuse it a few times and then toss it.
But if I want a reusable bottle — there's one by Aladdin (Thermos) I like, and one by Zojirushi, I've bought two of each over the years. Just tossed the Zojirushi. Zojirushi is a Japanese brand, very high quality, but a bit over-engineered. It's got this rubber gasket and plug that, you can clean them daily, they get black spots. Not sure if it's mould or what, but it's kinda gross and I don't like it. The Aladdin/Thermos one is a bit better, didn't think there was any mould anywhere until I dropped it, the cap flew out, mould farm inside! Nowhere that touched the beverage so that was nice. But I'm kinda done with both of them. I would rather just waste plastic than risk drinking from a mouldy reusable cup.
Are there reusable bottles that aren't mould farms?
Using 2 bottles atm. Both from LTT (youtuber merch).
After use I clean them witg fresh water and dry them over night in a reverse position.
So far it was sufficient to not develop any smell. On ocassion I'll clean it with dish soap. -
Mold = dust/residues + dampness. Clean your bottles, and keep them dry when out of use - you can keep water filled bottles pretty long in the fridge.
My 4 year old bottles stay filled in the fridge; when a bottle travels with me, coming home i wash them with my bottle brush and a small amount of dish soap and either fill them right back up and put them in the fridge again, or i keep the cap off and let them dry thoroughly putting them upside down so droplets can get out. Anything else is just an invitation for mold.
wrote last edited by [email protected]At times I use boiling water plus dish soap after cleaning it with cold water.^(Obviously only with stainless steel and not plastic)
-
Kind of a rant — I drink water and flavored-water beverages, and I don't wanna buy 24-packs of water and trust my local municipality to recycle. Maybe they do, maybe they don't. Either way, it's not recycle, it's "reduce, reuse, recycle." I'll drink a Gatorade (Zero) and reuse it a few times and then toss it.
But if I want a reusable bottle — there's one by Aladdin (Thermos) I like, and one by Zojirushi, I've bought two of each over the years. Just tossed the Zojirushi. Zojirushi is a Japanese brand, very high quality, but a bit over-engineered. It's got this rubber gasket and plug that, you can clean them daily, they get black spots. Not sure if it's mould or what, but it's kinda gross and I don't like it. The Aladdin/Thermos one is a bit better, didn't think there was any mould anywhere until I dropped it, the cap flew out, mould farm inside! Nowhere that touched the beverage so that was nice. But I'm kinda done with both of them. I would rather just waste plastic than risk drinking from a mouldy reusable cup.
Are there reusable bottles that aren't mould farms?
I just use a plastic volvic bottle. They're usually fine for a couple of weeks. I guess it would depend what's in your local water supply.
-
Kind of a rant — I drink water and flavored-water beverages, and I don't wanna buy 24-packs of water and trust my local municipality to recycle. Maybe they do, maybe they don't. Either way, it's not recycle, it's "reduce, reuse, recycle." I'll drink a Gatorade (Zero) and reuse it a few times and then toss it.
But if I want a reusable bottle — there's one by Aladdin (Thermos) I like, and one by Zojirushi, I've bought two of each over the years. Just tossed the Zojirushi. Zojirushi is a Japanese brand, very high quality, but a bit over-engineered. It's got this rubber gasket and plug that, you can clean them daily, they get black spots. Not sure if it's mould or what, but it's kinda gross and I don't like it. The Aladdin/Thermos one is a bit better, didn't think there was any mould anywhere until I dropped it, the cap flew out, mould farm inside! Nowhere that touched the beverage so that was nice. But I'm kinda done with both of them. I would rather just waste plastic than risk drinking from a mouldy reusable cup.
Are there reusable bottles that aren't mould farms?
I have about 10 protein/gym shakers, that I use for shakes (obviously) but also just water. I have so many because they will sometimes come free when i order supplements - but they can be bought for a few dollars. I rotate them daily and just run them through the dish washer. Because they're wide and the lid comes off they are super easy to wash and dry.
I'll normally get a couple years out of them before they need replacing.
-
Kind of a rant — I drink water and flavored-water beverages, and I don't wanna buy 24-packs of water and trust my local municipality to recycle. Maybe they do, maybe they don't. Either way, it's not recycle, it's "reduce, reuse, recycle." I'll drink a Gatorade (Zero) and reuse it a few times and then toss it.
But if I want a reusable bottle — there's one by Aladdin (Thermos) I like, and one by Zojirushi, I've bought two of each over the years. Just tossed the Zojirushi. Zojirushi is a Japanese brand, very high quality, but a bit over-engineered. It's got this rubber gasket and plug that, you can clean them daily, they get black spots. Not sure if it's mould or what, but it's kinda gross and I don't like it. The Aladdin/Thermos one is a bit better, didn't think there was any mould anywhere until I dropped it, the cap flew out, mould farm inside! Nowhere that touched the beverage so that was nice. But I'm kinda done with both of them. I would rather just waste plastic than risk drinking from a mouldy reusable cup.
Are there reusable bottles that aren't mould farms?
Yeti wide mouth because it's easy to clean. I just flush it with hot tap water and a drop of Dawn, let it sit for a few minutes, then hold my hand over the mouth and shake. Rinse thoroughly, then dry right side up so condensation doesn't build up inside. The part to really pay attention to is the mouthpiece, but that is quickly cleaned with some soapy water and a rag.
Also, DON'T use your dishes rag/sponge on your water bottles, as it always has residual dish gunk (no matter how many times you rinse it) that will actually make your water bottle dirtier. Keep a separate rag for washing drinking bottles and wring it properly when you're done.
-
Kind of a rant — I drink water and flavored-water beverages, and I don't wanna buy 24-packs of water and trust my local municipality to recycle. Maybe they do, maybe they don't. Either way, it's not recycle, it's "reduce, reuse, recycle." I'll drink a Gatorade (Zero) and reuse it a few times and then toss it.
But if I want a reusable bottle — there's one by Aladdin (Thermos) I like, and one by Zojirushi, I've bought two of each over the years. Just tossed the Zojirushi. Zojirushi is a Japanese brand, very high quality, but a bit over-engineered. It's got this rubber gasket and plug that, you can clean them daily, they get black spots. Not sure if it's mould or what, but it's kinda gross and I don't like it. The Aladdin/Thermos one is a bit better, didn't think there was any mould anywhere until I dropped it, the cap flew out, mould farm inside! Nowhere that touched the beverage so that was nice. But I'm kinda done with both of them. I would rather just waste plastic than risk drinking from a mouldy reusable cup.
Are there reusable bottles that aren't mould farms?
The solution to your problem is not to buy one specific bottle. The solution is to have two separate water bottles, so that you can swap and clean them on your own time.
-
Yeti wide mouth because it's easy to clean. I just flush it with hot tap water and a drop of Dawn, let it sit for a few minutes, then hold my hand over the mouth and shake. Rinse thoroughly, then dry right side up so condensation doesn't build up inside. The part to really pay attention to is the mouthpiece, but that is quickly cleaned with some soapy water and a rag.
Also, DON'T use your dishes rag/sponge on your water bottles, as it always has residual dish gunk (no matter how many times you rinse it) that will actually make your water bottle dirtier. Keep a separate rag for washing drinking bottles and wring it properly when you're done.
I have one of those and it’s the easiest bottle to clean that I have. Takes like 1 min from wet to totally dry. However, it’s not insulated so that may be an issue for them.
-
I have one of those and it’s the easiest bottle to clean that I have. Takes like 1 min from wet to totally dry. However, it’s not insulated so that may be an issue for them.
wrote last edited by [email protected]I saw an insulated one when i just checked. Price £40.
Edit: Here
